105: Chapter 105 The Founding of the "Heavenly Army"

Academician Chen paused, looked at several leaders and Chu Ge, then scanned the researchers below the stage. Everyone held their breath, waiting for Academician Chen to continue.

"Perhaps some of you noticed the phrase I used just now: 'world-renowned.' Indeed, after our research and decision, the aerospace carrier project will not be conducted in secret. In fact, the entire establishment plan for the Interstellar Fleet will be announced to the public in real-time in the future."

"We intend to conquer the sea of stars openly and honorably. Of course, this is also to inform other countries of the Interstellar Fleet's mission and purpose. It is not targeted at people or things on Earth—unless you violate Huaxia's territory or core interests."

Below the stage, everyone applauded one after another, their enthusiasm fully ignited.

"Today's meeting won't involve specific arrangements; it's just a formal notification. I believe it's necessary to commemorate this historic moment. I hope all my colleagues present can devote all their energy to this great project, so that we may together compose a brand-new, beautiful landscape belonging to Huaxia."

The entire audience stood up, and a round of even more intense applause spread throughout the hall, lasting for a long time.

Academician Chen stood up, and Chu Ge and the others followed suit. After a while, Academician Chen pressed his hands down, signaling everyone to sit.

"For the next announcement, I feel it is necessary to let Minister Long from the military declare it to everyone. He is more qualified than I am, isn't he? Minister Long."

Dean Chen glanced meaningfully at the large screen and then made a gesture of invitation. Minister Long adjusted the microphone in front of him.

"Well, originally, as the military, we shouldn't have come to steal the thunder of the earth-shattering news of the formal launch of the aerospace carrier. But since Academician Chen brought it up, I think I'll announce it as well. In fact, these two are complementary."

"Huaxia will officially announce the establishment of the Huaxia military's sixth branch tomorrow: the Heavenly Army—the Interstellar Expeditionary Force."

"We will refer to it simply as the 'Heavenly Army.' Unlike other branches and the Rocket Strategic Force, the Heavenly Army Headquarters will be established on the aerospace carrier, under the jurisdiction of Huaxia's Highest Military Command. The Heavenly Army will not perform missions on Earth or within the atmosphere; its range of activity will be outer space. The first phase of its mission will be cruising and exploration within the entire Solar System."

"During the process from the formal project approval to the commissioning of the aerospace carrier, we will initially select 100,000 active-duty personnel from across the entire military to join the Heavenly Army. This includes commanders of all levels, pilots, ground operation personnel, starship weapon operators, navigators, communications, ground crew, maintenance, logistics, and so on."

"Of course, if the ambitious youth of Huaxia are interested in joining the Heavenly Army, they can also sign up at their local recruitment agencies. The military strongly welcomes them. However, let me give you a heads-up: the screening will be extremely strict. The phrase 'one in ten thousand' is not an exaggeration here."

As Minister Long said this, his tone became serious.

"As for experts of all levels with professional skills, you can also sign up at the Yanjing Weapons Research Institute. This is because the Interstellar Fleet needs engineering and technical talents like you during the exploration process. Professional talents in environmental studies, detection, and mineral exploration are needed when landing on unknown planets. When building space bases, we also need talents in materials research and development, construction, and spatial design."

"Of course, just like military personnel, professional talents will also be strictly selected."

Chu Ge knew that the Interstellar Fleet required a large number of professional talents and would certainly cast a wide net across the country. Perhaps the strictness here didn't just refer to professional knowledge, but also other aspects, such as mental fortitude, interests, and special skills.

Chu Ge wasn't worried about this wide net. Although many people nowadays pursued material enjoyment, there was no lack of young people who liked to chase dreams and, like him, longed for the sea of stars.

These people were the future of this new fleet.

One stone stirred up a thousand waves.

Minister Long's brief announcement exploded like a bomb throughout the venue. After a round of applause, everyone began to whisper.

The establishment of a new military branch meant that Huaxia's future layout would truly no longer be confined to this blue planet.

Everyone was wondering whether they should also sign up. Others aside, Yan Tianhao, Zheng Jun, Li Gang, and Wang Yun decided to sign up after discussing it.

They constantly dreamed of the day they could follow the massive Interstellar Fleet to establish space bases on other planets; it was just too dreamlike.

This had been their dream since childhood. Having persisted until now, how could they not be moved?

Minister Long cleared his throat and signaled for everyone to be quiet.

"Alright, I've said what I needed to say, so I won't take up any more of your time. I'll hand the microphone back to your Academician Chen."

"Well, the Research Institute has already established a specialized assessment and selection team. Those in the institute who are interested can sign up, regardless of their position."

Academician Chen first gave everyone a piece of reassurance.

"Finally, let's have the chief designer of the aerospace carrier, Academician Chu Ge, give the final speech, shall we?"

Old Chen didn't hesitate and directly handed control of the floor to Chu Ge. Chu Ge took the microphone, adjusted the height, and looked around first. Even more enthusiastic applause rang out from below.

In this situation, he had to bite the bullet and go for it.

"Minister Long has already given a brief explanation regarding some plans for the Interstellar Fleet, so I'll first talk to you about the current progress of the aerospace carrier at the Research Institute."

"I saw that everyone was very excited when they heard that as scientific research talents, they could also follow the fleet to outer space. Minister Long is right; at least in the first phase of planning, our primary goal is exploration."

"I've told Old Chen more than once that the aerospace carrier is more of a platform—a scientific research platform. 'Command center' is just a narrow generalization of it. Exploring the unknown things in the starry sky is the true meaning of its existence."

"So what are these unknown things? Don't think about aliens and such... uh, far-fetched things. It could be an element, mineral, or even a life form that doesn't exist on Earth."

Regarding aliens, Chu Ge was a bit uncertain. Otherwise, how could the Military-Industrial System be explained? He simply decided not to explore that question further.

"As for the progress, the aerospace carrier will officially begin construction at the end of this year. All supporting shipyards are being built in an orderly fashion. All subsystems of the aerospace carrier will be successively assigned to your various departments. I won't tell you to devote all your energy like Academician Chen did; what I want to say is that even if you wanted to slack off, you wouldn't have the time."

"The system is vast and complex. You will find that you constantly have new progress reports to experiment with, data to verify, and tests to run. Therefore, I suggest those who are married or have partners take this time to go home and ask for leave."

"Look at me; I was quite clever and asked for leave early. A six-month vacation, unless you deliver yourselves to the door, haha."

After Chu Ge finished speaking, the people below all laughed along with him. However, this did remind them that they really should ask for leave.

Human emotions and desires are only natural.

Researchers are not beings who have transcended the mortal world, nor do they have a face as thick as Academician Chu's—delivering themselves to the door? Delivering a keyboard was more likely.

"In my plan, once the aerospace carrier takes flight, it will perform a very meaningful task. This is a milestone; I won't reveal it to you just yet."

"Afterward, other escort vessels and auxiliary ships of the Interstellar Fleet will continue to be built until the fleet is formed. That is another milestone."

"And there's a third milestone. Do you want to know?"

"Yes!"

Everyone spoke in unison.

"The third milestone must be announced in the conference room of the aerospace carrier. Alright, I'm done."

Chu Ge stopped while he was ahead. When it came to recruiting talent, his methods had become masterfully refined.

While those below were slightly disappointed, they became even more determined to sign up.